An Avastin eye injection is a medical procedure where bevacizumab, known by its brand name Avastin, is administered directly into the vitreous gel of the eye. This treatment manages specific retinal diseases that can lead to vision impairment or loss. It addresses conditions characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth or fluid leakage within the retina, helping to preserve or improve vision. This is a common outpatient procedure performed by ophthalmologists to combat the progression of these eye conditions.
Eye Conditions Treated with Avastin
Avastin eye injections treat conditions affecting the macula and retina, areas at the back of the eye responsible for detailed vision. These include Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), where abnormal, leaky blood vessels grow under the retina, damaging central vision. Diabetic macular edema (DME) occurs in people with diabetes when damaged retinal blood vessels leak fluid into the macula, causing swelling and blurred vision. Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) also benefits from this treatment, happening when a blocked retinal vein causes fluid buildup and tissue damage.
The Injection Procedure
An Avastin eye injection is a quick outpatient procedure designed to minimize discomfort. The ophthalmologist applies anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye, ensuring minimal sensation. Antiseptic drops clean the eye’s surface, reducing infection risk. An eyelid speculum might be gently placed to keep the eye open and prevent blinking.
The injection is administered with a fine needle through the white part of the eye into the vitreous. The injection takes only a few seconds. Afterward, the speculum is removed, the eye may be cleaned, and an antibiotic ointment might be applied for protection.
Aftercare and Potential Side Effects
Following an Avastin eye injection, patients receive aftercare instructions to promote healing and monitor for complications. A gritty sensation, mild eye pain, or new floaters in the injected eye are common for about 24 hours. Patients are advised to avoid rubbing the treated eye and may also be prescribed antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. Wearing sunglasses can help if the eye feels sensitive to light.
While safe, Avastin injections carry potential side effects. Common, mild reactions include temporary eye redness, a feeling like something is in the eye, or temporary blurry vision. A small red spot on the white of the eye, a subconjunctival hemorrhage, can occur at the injection site but resolves within a few days. More serious, though rare, side effects warrant immediate medical attention, such as significant pain, increased light sensitivity, a sudden decrease in vision, or flashes and a sudden increase in floaters, which could indicate an infection or a detached retina.
How Avastin Works in the Eye
Avastin targets Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes new blood vessel growth. In certain eye conditions, excessive VEGF leads to abnormal, fragile blood vessels that leak fluid and blood into the retina, causing swelling and vision loss.
As an “anti-VEGF” medication, Avastin binds to and blocks VEGF activity. By inhibiting this protein, Avastin reduces the growth of problematic new vessels, decreases fluid leakage, and reduces retinal swelling. This action can stabilize or improve vision. While initially FDA-approved for cancer, its effective use in eye conditions is considered “off-label” by ophthalmologists, supported by extensive studies demonstrating its safety and efficacy for ocular use.